Taranaki Rugby is thrilled to announce that Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach Neil Barnes has been appointed as Assistant Coach of the All Blacks under new Head Coach Dave Rennie.
It is a richly deserved honour for one of New Zealand's most respected rugby coaches, a man who has given his heart and soul to Taranaki Rugby and helped forge one of the most successful eras in the province's proud history.
Since taking the helm of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls in 2021, Barnes has led the side to a remarkable run of success across his five-year tenure.
In 2021 Barnes led his side to an undefeated NPC season, two years later he delivered the province their second ever NPC title in front of a sold-out home crowd and in 2024 he led his team to Ranfurly Shield success.
Across 57 matches as Head Coach, Barnes achieved a 68.4% win record. It is a legacy written in results, but also in the culture, character, and pride he has developed within the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls playing group.
Beyond the trophies, Barnes has built a winning culture rooted in hard work, humility, and a deep commitment to developing players and coaches at every level, from CMK Club Rugby through to Josh Lord and Tupou Vaai on the international stage.
Taranaki Rugby CEO Jimmy Fastier acknowledged Barnes and his outstanding contribution to Taranaki Rugby over the last five years.
"Barnesy bleeds Amber & Black. He returned home in 2021 with a clear vision of the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls making Taranaki proud on and off the field. He has gone over and above in achieving that with the energy, innovation and culture that he has brought to all levels of the game here in Taranaki.”
“Neil finishes as the most successful Amber & Black Head Coach on record, he has set up a clear template for how to grow local players and achieve NPC success from the provinces. He is a Taranaki Rugby legend and his appointment to the All Blacks programme is thoroughly deserved.”
Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach Neil Barnes on his appointment and Yarrows Taranaki Bulls tenure: “ to say I’m proud to be included in an All Blacks coaching team, would be an understatement. When first asked, I challenged Renns, whether at my age, I was the right person for the job, and secondly, then I challenged myself, whether I was capable of having a positive impact on the All Blacks. I’ve got through that initial self-doubt, and am now really excited about the challenge, and I am very motivated to make a difference. I’m under no illusions at the size of the challenge, and the responsibly and pressure that comes with it.”
“Along with the buzz of making it to All Blacks level, comes a level of sadness that I can’t carry on coaching the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls and trying every day to make our province proud. I’ve had a huge amount of pleasure, watching a large group of our players and management, grow and make it to the next level. Feeling the level of support, I’ve felt, in good and tough times has been humbling. The level of excitement and joy created in our province with the Ranfurly Sheild and NPC successes sits very highly with me. I consider myself, very fortunate, to have been allowed the privilege of coaching our province over this period, a task I’ve given my all to, and hopefully leaving in a position of strength.”
“I would like to acknowledge an unbelievably selfless person in my life, Megan. 48 years of marriage. Megan has made plenty of sacrifices in her own life, to keep the family and farm together, while I head off, following my passion and burying myself in another challenge. One of these days, she really needs to put her foot down, but hopefully not for a few more years, till I’ve had a chance to help make our country proud.”
New Zealand Rugby Interim Chief Executive Officer Steve Lancaster on Barnes appointment: “Neil’s is a real story of provincial pride and an example of the strength of our system. He is a true icon in this region and his leadership and passion for the game will leave Taranaki Rugby in good shape. As sad as they will be to lose Neil as Head Coach, I know that nobody will be more proud of him than this rugby community. We are excited to see Neil take this next step with the All Blacks, and we know he will bring the same dedication and excellence to the national environment.”
A recruitment process for a new Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach will commence immediately.
Taranaki Head Coach 2021–202557Games39Wins18Losses68%Win RateHighlights2021 NPC Championship — Unbeaten season (10-0)2023 NPC Premiership Champions — ASB Coach of the Year2024 Ranfurly Shield won off Tasman (42–29)2025 Ranfurly Shield held — 3 successful defences
Career2003–2009 Taranaki — Assistant Coach2009–2015 Canada — Assistant Coach 2 RWCs2016–2021 Gallagher Chiefs — Assistant Coach2017–2019 Fiji — Assistant Coach 2019 RWC2021–2025 Yarrows Taranaki Bulls — Head Coach2022–2023 Italy — Assistant Coach (Six Nations)2026– All Blacks — Assistant Coach Current
Yarrows Taranaki Bulls Head Coach Neil Barnes named All Blacks Assistant Coach
By Taylor Haskell
